Banyana Duo Set For Historic Milestones In Durban
Bambanani Mbane and Karabo Dhlamini are poised to reach major career milestones when Banyana Banyana faces Algeria in two upcoming international friendlies in Durban.
Mbane is set to earn her 100th cap for South Africa, while Dhlamini will clock her 50th appearance. Desiree Ellis’ side will host the North Africans at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday, with a follow-up clash three days later at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday. Both matches kick off at 3 pm.
The Elite 100 Club
Known to her peers as “Juice,” Mbane will become the 12th player to reach a century of caps for the national team. She joins an esteemed group of legends:
| Player | Caps | Status |
| Janine van Wyk | 185 | Retired |
| Noko Matlou | 174 | Retired |
| Nompumelelo Nyandeni | 150 | Retired |
| Refiloe Jane | 146 | Active |
| Nothando Vilakazi | 137 | Active |
| Portia Modise | 124 | Retired |
| Mamello Makhabane | 121 | Active |
| Lebohang Ramalepe | 118 | Active |
| Jermaine Seoposenwe | 112 | Active |
| Amanda Dlamini | 105 | Retired |
| Leandra Smeda | 100 | Retired |
| Bambanani Mbane | 99* | Active |
From Debut to Glory
The Eastern Cape-born Mbane made her debut as a substitute in 2016 during a CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana in Tembisa. Three years later, a 17-year-old Karabo Dhlamini earned her first cap at Cape Town Stadium in a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.
Since their debuts, both defenders have become cornerstones of the squad. They were integral to the gold-winning 2022 WAFCON campaign in Morocco and featured in both the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups.
Ellis and Jane Pay Tribute
Coach Desiree Ellis praised the duo’s professionalism and resilience:
“Bambanani has been immense. She went through a period of injuries that perhaps delayed this milestone, but she has been an ever-present, reliable figure in our defense. With Karabo, people thought I was mad taking a 17-year-old to the 2019 World Cup, but we needed to look toward the future. They have both put in the effort and have never disappointed.”
Captain Refiloe Jane added that their achievements serve as a roadmap for the squad’s younger players:
“It shows consistency, discipline, and the hard work they put in behind the scenes. It is a motivation for others; it proves that reaching a century is possible if you follow the right guidelines. We are so happy for them and can’t wait to celebrate this moment on the pitch.”
